Qualitative interview study reveals severe communication barriers and safety concerns in incarcerated deaf individuals, highlighting the urgent need for accessible reentry planning.
As correctional systems shift toward decarceration, reentry risks have become a central policy concern. Yet, the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) individuals remain largely unexplored. This study examines the reentry expectations of 16 incarcerated DHH individuals in the southeastern United States using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Findings reveal a tension between aspirations for employment and family reunification and anticipated vulnerabilities, particularly related to communication barriers, physical safety, and discrimination. Participants highlighted limited access to sign-fluent services and accessible resources. The study underscores the need for communication-accessible, culturally competent reentry planning to reduce isolation and support successful reintegration.
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Thompson et al. (2026) studied this question.
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